Noise

Noise

We are driving in the car or on a bus and hear a noise. Because we know it is a mechanical failure usually when a noise occurs, it may bring concern or distress. There is however a growing attitude that is to wait till it breaks. We see more and more people ignoring the noise , they do not pull over at the next service station or peak under the hood to see if it is minor or major - they simply do not care.

Then they hear a hungry child or one that is in danger, it is the same attitude - not caring. They long for the quiet and complain when there is noise, but never check it out.

Noise is a symptom of a failure or success, we just cannot ignore it. The cost to repair or the danger to yourself and others will be far greater if not repaired sooner. My dog will bark sometimes and we check it out - usually it means a stranger is about and sometimes it is merely a rabbit. When we hear a child who is engrossed in play a quiet man - it means he is learning and intent. When we hear one that is yelling or making a lot of noise it means they have nothing to fulfill their attention we call it a disorder or a deficit.

Jesus said to us let them who have ears let them hear! He wants us to hear the noise not ignore it and to do something about it.Some will say he was referring to the gospel but the gospels were not written until over a hundred years later. He wanted us to hear the hungry , the needy and also the wisdom - all these are important. Jesus also said to see in the same sentence. If we see a person doing harm to another intervene. Jesus saw Mary Magdalene being stoned for being a prostitute, he intervened on her behalf. He who is without sin throw the first stone. The noise of the crowd drew him toward the situation.

Some will say you are being nosey and mind your own business. It happened to me once , I was staying in a hotel and the room next door was very noisy, a girl was crying, a man was threatening. It was near New York City and could not afford an expensive room was waiting for parts to be delivered to repair some machinery. I knocked on the door and asked if anyone needed help. An angry man answered the door , he had just beaten his wife, she was crying. He told me to mind my own business. I told him right now my business was getting some sleep and he was interfering with it. Now I am not a small person and not that handsome - though normally quiet and peaceful have had my share of wars and battles.

The man knew I meant business and quieted down. To my surprise the next day he actually thanked me for being concerned and said he had a problem with anger, even the wife was grateful and we all had a good nights rest. We ended up just talking and departed in peace and smiles. Perhaps they made up - do not know what transpired , perhaps they just needed to be aware of their hurt. Yes- he could have had a gun and shot me - it was that kind of neighborhood. It also could have been disastrous for the wife if it continued. It is not for me to judge the man but the situation - the noise sent a signal.

We sometimes need to come out of the quiet and pay attention to the noise.



Joy.
Earl.

Where is Waldo?

There was an interesting puzzle that was popular years ago, it was called "where is Waldo?" Of course you were given an image of hundreds of scenes and people and tried to find the character Waldo in his crazy hat and scarf.

We hear about out of body experiences and this thing called science. It was something that was explored and interestingly discovered something. The puzzle is not where is Waldo , it is where is your mind.

Where is your mind?

You have a body, mind and spirit supposedly in theory and it seems to be that sometimes people have out of body experiences , it actually happened to me several times. Not intentionally it just happened. It was not until after many years it was realized that something else was happening. It was not losing the mind , or going out of the body but actually finding the mind.

The mind was not in the body, it was this realization that helped me to understand the relationship of the mind to the body and eventually the spirit. The senses - the eyes are like fibre optic transmissions that pass light waves to the brain to form images, the ears are like sonar that pass sound, the smell aromatic sequences of chemistry, the touch warmth and cold and taste the delicate texture of nourishment or deserts. All of these sensory's input to the brain which interprets it to an image , a word, a healthy organism or chemistry, a source of nourishment -food.

After being processed in the brain in series of thoughts or data transmissions it is determined what is good , what is truth or reality is then passed to the mind. The mystery is where is the mind? Where is Waldo? The out of body experience is not losing the mind but finding the mind, it is out of the body. The brain is a processor the mind is the reality or truth, the truth is not of the body. So we technically exist ,at least our minds do, somewhere else.

Perhaps , someday if not already you will have this realization. While in my experience found that there were some disconnected from their minds, some had bodies - some spiritual entities. My theory is that our minds exist outside the body. We somehow sort through the garbage and chatter and pass on any discerned truth. As we have miraculous bodies , the mind is also very amazing. Where some put the brain in the mind category ,  the brain is with the body. The mind is part of the spirit not the body- at least this was my realization.

We may feel at times we are floating out of the body but it is actually toward the mind. Here is where the spiritual realm seems to be also.This is all that may be shared as to not spoil your experiences.

Peace.
Earl.

Indifference

The policy of indifference shown by some religious orders to me is an offense to christ. While visiting hospitals or hospice it seems some priests will only pray for the catholic persons. I have held the funeral services for many catholics in slums even soliciting funds to pay for the burials, always keeping to the catholic prayers to honor their faith. Have done the same for jewish persons  honoring their prayers usually the 23rd psalm because a rabbi or priest may not be available or want to bother with a destitute we bury them in a wooden coffin. Even holding the hand of a hindu praying with them for healing. Did christ show indifference ? Did Peter ? Did Paul?  Does not God even care for the sparrow and all of creation?

At least once a week pray for persons of diverse faiths with no respect to color or orientation. This is why understanding divine will is important. Holiness is a combination of love and wisdom not a sectarian idea. Our Father who art in heaven , hallowed be thy name thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

When it was said, do not cast your pearls before the swine , it means those who refuse divine love not those who are not a member of your circle. Now I have seen some priests and rabbis that do evangelical work and reach out to other faiths, this is true love, but it does go against the policy of indifference.

When does a person or group decide who is under divine providence or general providence? These are questions that need to be answered , they are of the utmost disgrace. Often attend catholic services and even join with the various charities in helping the poor as a joint effort. My calling is to all of humanity not to a select group. This policy of indifference has hurt certain religious groups and not promoted love, peace and good will to man.

Jesus said suffer not the little children , yet some will not even hold an un baptized child because of this inbred policy of indifference. Then we ask why there is not peace in the world! Because you preach love but show indifference! Divine love knows no boundaries, it needs only to be accepted. To reject someone who is willing to accept divine love merely on their membership status is a disgrace!

I do not believe Mother Teresa checked to see if persons were of a certain affiliation to provide them with prayer, nor did many of the proclaimed saints to my knowledge.

Peace
Earl.

Beers and Bears

The Beer-

This may sound odd but recently have encountered both just last week. My father-in-law who is a dear old soul needed a ride to the hospital and a companion for some testing. It was a trying time for him and fortunately everything turned out ok for now. He was insistent at stopping at the bar after the test for a relaxing beer. Normally this is not a place for me to stop, but it was his day and he wanted to stop at this pub ( for a beer). We stopped and sat at the bar ordered up two beers. Everyone was friendly and I felt very guilty not for the beer but being judgmental. It dawned on me that these friends of my father-in-law met everyday and discussed their problems , shared in their sorrows not much different than being at a church social. By the way beer is perfectly acceptable in catholic and lutheran practice.

 It was like being the only person with their clothes on at a nude beach, this happened to me once on a bike hike waking up to discover being at a nudist beach. Things like this happen in life - who are we to judge? Once I was invited to a neighbors house for dinner and he peaked his head out asking me to come in. I went in and discovered everyone was nude, this was in Florida. It was quite a different experience everyone was eating dinner and enjoying each others company , they were not lewd just nude. This may sound extreme but it was only me that was embarrassed - keeping on my clothes but did take off my shoes. On some of the islands in the Pacific it is normal to not wear tops , even for the woman.

 To me each situation we find ourselves is to be handled with wisdom and love not judgement. Yes- it is not a perfect world we live in and some have a different idea of perfection than we do. To my father-in-law it is a perfect beer with the right temperature and glass, this was also a favorite of Martin Luther. To me it is just sitting on the back porch admiring the birds and reading a book. We are all unique.

 My father-in-law being irish catholic was in his normal surroundings in a local pub with friends and neighbors. He also prayed three times a day the Lords Prayer and attended mass at least once a week.

Is it wrong for me to judge others even though they may enjoy beer or be nudists. I really do not know!

I was the one who felt the shame and guilt for being judgmental. Does the spirit make allowances for such situations? 

I remember the story of Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden , they were as we are told nude. As they ate from a certain tree they became embarrassed and used the leaves to cover themselves. When at first they were perfectly fine , then they were judgmental after gaining this knowledge from the fruit they had eaten  (forbidden fruit). Is guilt really self imposed by the knowledge of a standard or norm perhaps it is not really the act. 

When a young minister often went to various churches of different standards or norms. I remember one particular church where it was considered unholy to wear jewelry. We had to remove our watches and necklaces , another church it was unholy to wear a tie - removed the tie. Then again another place it was casual but still another formal. Judgement is rampant in the christian community - we find that has nothing to do with love, with joy, with peace. 

Not sure what Adam and Eve found in the fruit that made us so judgmental, but it eventually got them kicked out of the garden. Perhaps we should not rely on knowledge so much and rely on wisdom. Is it better to lose a soul over a watch or necklace, than just preach the true message of love. Not saying we should all put on the love beads and sit naked like in the sixties but we also need to be real and learn to love each other beyond the attire.

The Bear -

I remember waking up to my own father finding the back of his pickup ripped off last week. Yes- he was planning on taking out the garbage but the bear got to it first. He was actually in tears over this because of being elderly and he was one to keep his truck immaculate as possible. Having mixed feelings first calmed down dad then proceeded to clean up the mess. Went to the hardware store and replaced the bolts and rivets with new ones. It took the better part of a day but it was as good as new if not better. 

Sometimes we can feel the pain before the bee stings, or the drama. Life is sometimes full of bears but we also need to make sure we clean the trash out before they show up. We cannot think of everything but we can face the situation with less drama. I told my dad it was easily fixed and not to despair. My house was once demolished by a tornado and we lived through it. The tornado story did not work but a trip to the hardware store made him feel better.

Peace and Joy

Earl.

Beauty

One of the most important thoughts that recently came to mind driving from the shore to my mountain home. All along the way I saw the beauty of the scenery but it also made me think upon the others distractions - traffic. In life there are ways to view things , we hear of the Clint Eastwood movie the Good , the Bad  and the Ugly. Actually in life it is the Beauty, the Good , the Bad and the Ugly.

Some look for the good in everything , some look for the bad - optimist and pessimist. Some even look for the ugly - they are downright mean. Then there are the few that like in the song - everything is beautiful in its own way - look for beauty. They usually are not bothered by life and maintain a smile.

They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder actually it is also in the heart or attitude. My grandmother was this type of person , diabetic and blind she always had a smile. Her name was Rose and even when the children were into mischief she would laugh with joy. She had very little and was the mother of twelve. Probably one of the most wonderful persons in my life and the lives of others.

Is it enough to say all is good, in dharma we seek refuge in the good. We also need to be artistic and creative and that comes from the beauty within. Solomon was one of the wisest men of his time and he often spoke of beauty.

A favorite song is everything is beautiful , in its own way by Ray Stevens.

We can go through life looking for the good , the bad or the ugly but how about looking for the beauty.

peace.
Earl.

The Pentecost

We read of the day of pentecost where many diverse tongues were spoken and this was seen as a sign from God. Myself occasionally speak in tongues in prayer, and yes I am a mystic. Perhaps many desire this mystical experience it often brings on revivals at churches, even the catholics are seeking the experience but they call it charismatic. Some say it is of God others the devil. Others a gift or sign of the holy spirit. Even the apostles thought it was some sort of sign. On the day of pentecost this sign was witnessed by many.

What is pentecost, whole divisions of christians were formed from this phenomenon?

Some say if you do not speak in tongues you do not have the holy spirit but what is this gift?

After being a tongue speaker for over 40 years , and experiencing many emotional and displays of worship. Here is my answer.

Alone on a deserted island with no clergy or church, I first started to speak in tongues. Did not know what this was nor was there anyone to ask. Living on cocoanuts and honey for a year praying often and in these tongues. Were they to be a witness to others - NO. I was alone on a deserted island. Were they mystical? Yes -- my brain had somehow shut down the neurological center that produced speech. It was bypassed and all the mind was concentrated in prayer

In my case it was not a sign but more of a gift. Eventually my mind would shut down other areas of the brain , now I did have water caught in rain barrels so it was not lack of thirst. Eventually my mind would shut down entirely producing a trance like state and had out of body experiences. Now I do not think this was supernatural. It was merely a reaction of the brain as it was created. Just as in the case of healing the body is created to react to certain stimulus.

So every year the churches celebrate the day of pentecost , we see it as a divine mystery. Yet - is it a mystery or a gift - is it a function of the mind. 

In my being with the elderly near death often hear them speak unintelligibly , especially just before death. Did their brains became partially claimed by death. What about their other sensibilities ? They often act child like even those that may have held high degrees in science or education. We claim levels of consciousness or mystery when actually the mind is the mystery. Let this mind be in you that was also in Christ. We are to have the mind of Christ, which is a sound mind, a perfect mind.

So how does the pentecostal speak in tongues? In my experience it is a spiritual gift of the mind.

So how do some leave their bodies? In my experience it is a gift of the mind and body relaxation.

So how do some have visions? The mind.

Is this dangerous to the person? Most feel peaceful afterwards. 

Is it sane? It is actually very natural to release the mind.

Can anyone do this? In my case it was not taught but realized.
In religious circles we are told these gifts are for ministry and to promote the gospel of Christ.
Jesus never wrote a book, he told us to love, forgive and about grace and truth, these are spiritual ways. He also revealed the Father to some. The gospel we are speaking of does it teach grace and truth, then go for it.

Does this have a religious meaning. NO, it is a spiritual practice (the holy spirit). Many Catholics, Lutherans, Baptist and almost every denomination have had this experience. We see it is central to the pentecostal faith and is practiced during normal services. They call this the moving of the spirit, in catholic services it is usually only during charismatic meet ups this is practiced. Some believe that this was limited to the day of pentecost, however Paul explains he spoke in tongues regularly.

Why do I atribute this to the mind rather than the spirit, actually it is releasing the mind to the spirit. As in healing releasing the body to the spirit. The body , the mind and the spirit work together in life. When either is in disparity it effects the other parts. It does not mean a handicapped person is not spiritual , actually the spirit is usually heightened to overcome this handicap, similar to a person that is blind usually has a higher sense of hearing and touch.

Peace.

Earl.

Darkness and Light

Darkness-
We have through time feared the night , the creatures of the night that were nocturnal were considered an abomination by the jews, They included the eagle, the falcon, the owl, seagulls and  bats just to name a few. WHY?

The moon was also associated with bizarre creatures such as werewolves and vampires. The moon was the simeon brother of the sun. Like it had a dark side and could not be trusted. Night predators and wandering mice. The larger cats the lions , the tigers all like to prey at night. WHY?

The night seemed to be a time of fear , dreams came at night. We often see shadows and death associated with the night. Why was it created ?

Perhaps the dark side of the moon is only a place on the other side of a sphere, perhaps a cave is just another place. Perhaps we have been wrong to place the eagle , the owl and the falcon in an abomination  category because of the screeching sounds they make to drive out small rodents and other such prey. But religion has categorized them because of this lack of understanding, because of fear.

I have always admired the eagle, the falcon and the owl does that make me an abomination. It seems that religion and lack of the understanding of nature can take a wrong turn. What about the nature of men if religion cannot properly discern animals. Is it any better with understanding men and women?

My conclusion throughout studying the throwing of dice in determining religious intention. The study of religion versus lack of basic understanding of nature has brought me to state anything that is not understood is an abomination.

Knowledge + Understanding = Wisdom. Superstition and lack of understanding is a religious characteristic. Many were burned at the stake for the production of common aspirin to relieve a headache or other herbal medicines.

Gays and Lesbians were at first persecuted until their numbers grew and many came out of  the closet, in fact many were priests and nuns. Does that mean they were ever evil or unnatural. Yes- they will not produce or evolve the human species physically but what about spiritually. Many will contribute to the cause of wisdom and over time many have been involved with charity and kindness.

Light

What is the path of light , we are often told it goes with truth. I am the way , the truth and the light. Did Jesus ever write a book? No. If he had the book itself would be glorified. Did Jesus ever place himself above others? No. He said even greater things we should do. Did he teach to both the young and the old , suffer not the little children to come unto me.

I have just given a christian example but what about the hindu and the buddhist, the Islamic and the Sikhs. There is light in every spiritual path. Unfortunately the religions fight amongst each other to who has the best light. It is usually recorded in a book and the book becomes the glory not our Father or creator.

It amuses me that religion has lasted this long , but we can see the power rings that form under the name of providence. God is spirit. I find a mix of the spiritual with the religious in most of these books and it is so cleverly disguised. That is why I love the aboriginal studies where story telling was the main method of conveyance, it is also the method Jesus used.

The awareness we gain through spirituality is to be not afraid of the darkness. An american indian bonds with the eagle and understands its need for food, often wore the feathers. The original people of Hawaii held the owl as sacred - especially the white owl, understanding their majestic form. Many ancient people respected the cycles of the moon as it controlled the tides - later proven by science. More and more we are finding the herbs to be of use that were once tabu. Myself eat dandelions and benefit from the calming and physical benefits. They have replaced over the counter medicines and save a lot of pain.

Light is truth , darkness is lack of understanding, both are created and good.

Earl.
Peace.